Travis Johnson

travisjohnson.net has new diggs *Update your links

I'm leaving my Typepad diggs behind for the "land of the free!" 

Wordpress is my new home because I really like free. I also like the feel a tad bit more. I regret leaving behind the incoming links. But, there is more to life than your Technorati authority. So, make sure you update to the travisjohnson.net address or to travjohnson.wordpress.com.  Also, update your feeds.  It may be the same if you've already subscribed...depending on how you did it.  And, if you're not a subscriber, click here.

Anyway, go here or here and make your mark.  Grab a coffee.  Say hello.

New Bloggers

Check out these guys.  Some are new.  Some are new to me.  All of these guys are half-way decent and new additions to my blog roll.

Jesse Santoyo - a lifetime Chicago goodfella and Rock and Roller turned Life Pointe Church worship and arts pastors.  He also sports the coolest hats I've ever seen.

Dave Anderson - the Movie Pastor in Decatur, AL, leader of Cross Point Church.  They are two weeks into a HUGE transition.  They moved out of their building and into Regal Cinemas!  Sound familiar?!?! 

Benny Salas - a Chicago-guy (Humboldt Park) turned Miami Church planter (Freedom Culture...a really great name).  I moved to ?Humboldt Park and started a church and then came back home.  Now, he's moved from Humboldt Park to plant Freedom Culture in my town...welcome to Miami, Benny.

Paul Hollifield - bald, flavor-saver wearin' ministry consultant.  I've known Paul for quite some time...got good feelings about this guy.

Mathias Grehn - Miami church planter of Vision Church (same in English and Spanish...witty).  He's also a neighbor.  He lives here in Homestead so you know he has some sense about himself.

Tagged: a word about our volunteers

Jason Curlee tagged me to say something awesome about our volunteers.  I've only responded a couple time to these traffic building, social networking ventures.  But, sharing appreciation for some really selfless people is a great idea.  Plus, I think you might like Jason's blog.

Simply put, our volunteers have varying levels of buy in to the mission.  Some have high commitment.  Some are exploring Christ and working that out through volunteerism.  But, I believe all of them serve because they want to give back to people around them and to a God whom they know or are actively seeking.  The way, you live speaks loudly to your world that God is at work in you.  Thank you.

So, Joe Case, Carlos Whittaker, Rick Womack, Ray Hughes, and Mike Macon, you've been tagged to pass on the love.  I am adding an honorary 6th, Chris Elrod since he is sending my man child a man bag.  Don't worry, my little girl needs a bag to store and transport her Polly Pockets.  It won't go to waste.

Around the Blogosphere in 30 seconds

I love my blog.  Through it, I've made some amazing friendships.  I get a chance to talk WITH the crew at Life Pointe between Sundays.   Even the most mundame comments (many of which are found in the whole "man bag" and the "toilet lid" controversies) are an expression of community, which I highly value.

Anyway, let me clue you in on the recent conversations/activities involving me this week around the blogosphere:

• Tony McCollum, Jeremy Farmer, Ray Hughes, and Joe Case recently added me to their blog rolls.  That means on some level they want others to enjoy my blog.  I think that's cool and I say thank you for sending people in your circle of influence to the Travis Johnson blog castle.
• Tony Wheeler and Gary Lamb had some comments about post 1 and post 2 on "Leaving a Legacy" (my entries about my grandpa also known as the Silver Fox).
• Brad Martin referenced this post and admitted that in addition to the other man bag carrying girly men, he too carries a computer purse.
• The Jobless Minister (who happens to have a cool graphic of what appears to be a lego assistant pastor being knocked down by a Bible weilding senior pastor) referenced my Atheist versus Christians post and shared some great thoughts on the whole Kirk Cameron video debate.
• Then, in the big shocker of the week for me, Jason Salamun says, "Have you ever been on a hot streak when playing basketball? When every shot would go in. Travis is on a hot streak the last several months with his blog. Travis is a smart guy with a great personality and it shows in his blog. I’m not just saying that because he gave me a Life Pointe Church coffee mug either."  I have to say, Jason...your observations are spot on.  Obviously, you are going places in life!

The Man Bag Controversy Continues

I've tried to drop this controversy because these man bag carrying pastors are my friends.  I don't want to heap condemnation on them.  But, at some point, you have to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough.  Popeye says, "I've had alls I can stand and I can't stands no more."  Chris, Tony, Tadd, and Gary, the spinach can is in my hand.  Apparently, Rev Scottie and Dave agree with my perspective as well.

In justifying the stylish, over the shoulder accessories, Tony shares Scripture showing that Jesus told the disciples to "carry a money bag and a traveling bag."  Tony, the disciples wore dresses too!  What's next for you guys, "The Fabulous Four"?  A fanny pack and penny loafers?

Chris, that's cool that you guys get to wear a bag called the "Hip Hopster" or some such thing and be considered, dope, fly, funky, or fresh by confused 9th graders.  But, here the kids carry transparent backpacks to make sure no guns are sneaking into the schools.  I think here you might get roughed up wearing your pin stripe shorts, a polo with a flipped up collar, and your stylish purse.  At least you can soak in Bath and Body Works bath salts after you are beaten by "the gooch."

Regardless, I will say that you guys are pretty decent guys.  If you want to carry your purses, I can handle it.  I'm mature in my faith.  I will chalk this up to a stumbling block issue and continue to carry my drab black computer "brief case."  Who cares if it digs into my shoulder?  Are those purses you guys carry that much more comfortable?  Let me know via email.  We'll keep that discussion off the blog.

Man Bags?!?!

What???? First, Chris.  Now, Gary!  Have we no more testosterone?!?!

For what its worth, Chris thinks he returned fire for my post about his purse because I picked up a couple back rubbers for free at the conference.  But, they were free surprises for my two girls and I needed a positive way to channel their energy.  It might as well be by working out the knots in my back!

3 Cool Things about Troy Gramling

Cool thing #1: He slipped down the stairs at Flamingo Road Church while he was preaching and then posted a video of it on his blog.

Cool thing #2: The Miami Herald did a great article on their virtual confessional at www.ivescrewedup.com.

Cool thing #3: I just saw that the old boy linked to world renowned blogger, Travis Johnson.  It might be total coincidence but, it appears that I rank in at #2 which is lower than Stephanie Gramling, yet still ahead of Tim Stevens, Perry Noble, Tony Morgan, and the Miami Heat.

Blog additions: links and tools

Hey. Its Monday am.  My phone is off and I'm kicking around on the couch.  We're getting ready for a little family outing.  So, I figured I'd do some spring cleaning on my blog, sweep some stuff away and make some additions before we head out.  Really quick, I:

• added a blog search on the left side bar.  It should make finding content on my blog easier.
• added a technorati link in the left side bar to show what blogs link here.
• added a few bloggers I met at Exponential: Matt Payne, Andrew Jones, Drew Goodmanson.
• I also noticed that Relevant Christian recently linked to me.  I hit them back with a reciprocal link...nice blog guys.  And, of course, Todd Rhoades....thanks for the link.  I hit you back as well.

Also, another reminder...have my content delivered to your Google Reader, newsgator, or other RSS subscription service by subscribing to travisjohnson.net by clicking here.  Peace!

Drew Goodmanson on Internet Evangelism

I was in Drew Goodmanson and Brad Abare's session at Exponential.  Some of this material was presented then.  Check out the powerpoint/pdf that went with the full session on internet evangelism.  (source: drew goodmanson)

New blogger to add to your list

Ryan Hartstock is a creative guy at 4Corners Church in Cincinnati, OH.  He does some of the most creative church stuff you can find (see his flickr).  He's a blogger.  I didn't know that.  But, I do now.  As you can see he is now firmly installed on my blogroll.  I just wonder when Ben will blog...or does he?